I traded my '19 RDX Advance SH-AWD
#161
I can say a lot about Lexus since I've owned over ten of them. First, they're bulletproof. I've bought several with 100k+ miles w/o reservation which had no rattles or problems. The only reason I got rid of them was because of an itch to get something newer. The service experience is second to none (and I'm not talking about the food and lounges). I've had service advisors and shop foreman go out of their way to be helpful, including doing some jobs for free (or comping them). ..
#162
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I was actually surprised to learn that some tech isn’t covered under longer term warranty. Not sure about Lexus but when I test drive a Hyundai Santa Fe the salesperson told me a lot of the tech features were not covered for the full duration of their 5 year/60k warranty.
#163
That happened out of town. I think that my hometown dealership would have handled things differently. But aside from that, even among Lexus dealerships there's a wide spectrum.
#164
I was actually surprised to learn that some tech isn’t covered under longer term warranty. Not sure about Lexus but when I test drive a Hyundai Santa Fe the salesperson told me a lot of the tech features were not covered for the full duration of their 5 year/60k warranty.
Hyundai's 5-year, 60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers repair or replacement of any component manufactured or originally installed by Hyundai that is defective in material or factory workmanship, under normal use and maintenance. The exceptions are:
- Radio and audio systems (i.e., radio, compact disc player, DVD player, navigation system and Bluetooth®): for MY 15 and prior, 3 years/36,000 miles—Equus: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Radio and audio systems (i.e., radio, compact disc player, DVD player, navigation system and Bluetooth®): for MY 16 and newer, 5 years/60,000 miles for all models
- Paint: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Battery: for MY 15 and prior, 3 years/unlimited miles (100% covered 2 years/unlimited miles; after 2 years and within 3 years, 25% cost of battery and 100% labor cost covered)
- Battery: for MY 16, 3 years/36,000 miles (no proration)
- Air conditioner refrigerant charge: 1 year/unlimited miles
- Adjustments: 1 year/12,000 miles
- Wear items: 1 year/12,000 miles (e.g., belts, brake pads and linings, clutch linings, filters, wiper blades, bulbs and fuses)
#166
Instructor
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zroger73 (01-18-2019)
#167
One nice thing about the Acura warranty, at least for the prior generation, is that the battery is fully covered under the 4yr/50k warranty. If you live in a hot climate, like say Phoenix, it is almost a 100% certainty that the battery won't last 4 years. I just got my battery replaced at no cost on my 40 month old 2016. 32 of those months spent in Phoenix. 40 months is longer than I've had a battery last in the 30 years I lived there so the factory battery performed well.
#168
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My 2012 Infiniti G37 had the original battery when I traded it in December and my wife's 2013 Highlander still has the original battery. I used to replace at 5 years but I now use a battery tester. 3-4 years seems short to me.
#169
Burning Brakes
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zroger73 (01-19-2019)
#171
Could you expand upon your experience with BMW? I’m currently cross-shopping the RDX with a CPO X1 35i xdrive with the I6 from the 335i. The interior is fine but the power train and handling far surpass the RDX. I understand Acura wins on reliability but it’s all relative but just trying figure out how much “fun” I’m giving up for reliability.
#172
Three Wheelin'
Could you expand upon your experience with BMW? I’m currently cross-shopping the RDX with a CPO X1 35i xdrive with the I6 from the 335i. The interior is fine but the power train and handling far surpass the RDX. I understand Acura wins on reliability but it’s all relative but just trying figure out how much “fun” I’m giving up for reliability.
2015 328i -- No issues other than minor rattles, but N20 timing chain issue was a ticking bomb. Car was under BMW warranty and maintenance to 100K. Only brakes were replaced. LOUSY headlights even with Xenon. (Please pay attention to the headlights in the X1.)
2014 328 -- Lemon buy back because of chassis errors that couldn't be fixed, but had several other issues as well. Enough said.
2003 325i -- Super fun to drive and the last of the ultimate driving machines. Car was under BMW warranty and maintenance to 100K. Several issue under warranty -- (fuel sending units x 2), rattles, ignition coils (left me stranded), power window regulator, moonroof issue, etc. Cost about $4K-$5K per year in maintenance after 100K (I used to drive about 20-25K miles per year). I was very particular about preventative maintenance. To me it was worth it because it felt special.
Just take a close look at the CPO warranty and find out if prepaid maintenance is available and how much it costs. That will give you an idea of what it will cost to maintain the car if you get a bad one. The X1 is considerably smaller than the RDX and it's built on the FWD Mini platform. Seat comfort cannot hold a candle to the RDX.
I think it really depends on what you are looking for. One is big in size and big on luxury. The other is small in size and big on power. I'm not sure I would call the X1 sporty. I have had one as a loaner and wasn't impressed. If I wanted a sporty SUV I would go for the Stelvio (no 6-cylinder option unless you go for the QF which is $$$) or the Macan ($$, $$$ with 6-cyl).
Last edited by anoop; 01-21-2019 at 12:45 AM.
#173
Burning Brakes
I agree with zroger73. I've owned 12+ Hondas and Acuras over the past 30 years and I continue to be a fan. But for me the RDX just didn't work.
Regarding "zero patience," that doesn't make sense. My unhappiness with the engine and nav layout cannot be fixed with an update. As for the glitches with the infotainment system, who knows if or when Acura will correct them. Right now Honda has well-documented and well-publicized problems with the 1.5T engine in the CRV -- gas diluting the oil. As I understand it, Honda's "fix" isn't a fix (as described and shown in plenty of Youtube videos) and the response from corporate is that (1) the engine is operating as designed and/or (2) owners should let the engine warm up completely on each drive, even if that requires 30+ minutes of driving.
But again, I still love Honda. The best non-luxury car that I've owned was a '01 Accord EX V6. The first new car I ever bought was a '06 Accord EX V6. The first SUV I ever owned was a '00 Passport (passed down from dad, God bless his soul).
Regarding "zero patience," that doesn't make sense. My unhappiness with the engine and nav layout cannot be fixed with an update. As for the glitches with the infotainment system, who knows if or when Acura will correct them. Right now Honda has well-documented and well-publicized problems with the 1.5T engine in the CRV -- gas diluting the oil. As I understand it, Honda's "fix" isn't a fix (as described and shown in plenty of Youtube videos) and the response from corporate is that (1) the engine is operating as designed and/or (2) owners should let the engine warm up completely on each drive, even if that requires 30+ minutes of driving.
But again, I still love Honda. The best non-luxury car that I've owned was a '01 Accord EX V6. The first new car I ever bought was a '06 Accord EX V6. The first SUV I ever owned was a '00 Passport (passed down from dad, God bless his soul).
#174
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
Don't keep your Explorer passed warranty. I have a '17 Sport fully loaded and I'm about to let it go.
Pros:
1. Powerful
2. Enough Tech for me (folding mirrors, remote start, dual panel sunroof, android auto, AWD (I visit construction sites often so I actually put it to use)
3. Great layout for a family of five. Second row buckets, and split power folding 3rd row.
4. Work acceptable (smh, I work in an industry where lux cars aren't in the parking lots and will get you the side eye)
Cons:
1. Gas tank is SMALL
2. Dealer experience is that of Ford. No loaner cars. No regard AT ALL for your time. Treat you just like they treat a Ford Focus owner or a fleet driver.
Background:
I had a company explorer ('16 XLT) that I put 90K miles on in 2 years. It was solid, reliable, and did everything I needed it to do (minus the annoyingly small fuel tank). I changed companies and opted to get my own Explorer. I tested the Sport and really liked the power bump. After 50K miles in 18 months it started misfiring under heavy RPM. They appear to have an issue with the fuel pump breaking down and sending debris into the fuel system. Mine has been in the shop for almost a month now waiting on a back ordered fuel rail (apparently this is a wide spread issue). From what I understand this is a ~$6K issue. Luckily it's covered under the 60K warranty, but I don't want to caught with the same issue after the warranty is gone. The dealer experience was/is HORRIBLE.
I anticipate picking it up and taking it straight to CarMax....
I used to agree with the sentiment to buy a car that doesn't break down in stead of buying a car with a good dealer experience. I thought that was what I was doing, but when push comes to shove, having that good dealer to fall back on would be beneficial.
Pros:
1. Powerful
2. Enough Tech for me (folding mirrors, remote start, dual panel sunroof, android auto, AWD (I visit construction sites often so I actually put it to use)
3. Great layout for a family of five. Second row buckets, and split power folding 3rd row.
4. Work acceptable (smh, I work in an industry where lux cars aren't in the parking lots and will get you the side eye)
Cons:
1. Gas tank is SMALL
2. Dealer experience is that of Ford. No loaner cars. No regard AT ALL for your time. Treat you just like they treat a Ford Focus owner or a fleet driver.
Background:
I had a company explorer ('16 XLT) that I put 90K miles on in 2 years. It was solid, reliable, and did everything I needed it to do (minus the annoyingly small fuel tank). I changed companies and opted to get my own Explorer. I tested the Sport and really liked the power bump. After 50K miles in 18 months it started misfiring under heavy RPM. They appear to have an issue with the fuel pump breaking down and sending debris into the fuel system. Mine has been in the shop for almost a month now waiting on a back ordered fuel rail (apparently this is a wide spread issue). From what I understand this is a ~$6K issue. Luckily it's covered under the 60K warranty, but I don't want to caught with the same issue after the warranty is gone. The dealer experience was/is HORRIBLE.
I anticipate picking it up and taking it straight to CarMax....
I used to agree with the sentiment to buy a car that doesn't break down in stead of buying a car with a good dealer experience. I thought that was what I was doing, but when push comes to shove, having that good dealer to fall back on would be beneficial.
#175
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I think in the past they tended to share their platforms with Honda (and even do so now, e.g. with the ILX) and that hurts branding (just as Audi used to be considered a rebadged VW).
Also, many of their tech features are not as well executed. BMW's infotainment is head and shoulders above Acura's, and from what little I have seen, Audi's is as well. With the RDX, if I'm in the middle of a phone call, I cannot check the miles to empty or the trip computer, nor do anything with navigation. Also, with the rear camera, the guidelines don't line up exactly with the car, the camera is practically useless when it's raining, and it doesn't stay on at all when moving forward (which helps alignment). I can go on and on, but I think you get the point. This type of execution is about cutting corners.
Also, many of their tech features are not as well executed. BMW's infotainment is head and shoulders above Acura's, and from what little I have seen, Audi's is as well. With the RDX, if I'm in the middle of a phone call, I cannot check the miles to empty or the trip computer, nor do anything with navigation. Also, with the rear camera, the guidelines don't line up exactly with the car, the camera is practically useless when it's raining, and it doesn't stay on at all when moving forward (which helps alignment). I can go on and on, but I think you get the point. This type of execution is about cutting corners.
#176
Could you expand upon your experience with BMW? I’m currently cross-shopping the RDX with a CPO X1 35i xdrive with the I6 from the 335i. The interior is fine but the power train and handling far surpass the RDX. I understand Acura wins on reliability but it’s all relative but just trying figure out how much “fun” I’m giving up for reliability.
My advice, please stay away from the X1 and grab the RDX. Thank me later. I would get an Audi any day of the week but never ever a BMW. I too was pulled in to BMW with the promise of a great driving experience and sure when it was working it was awesome but it was never really fully working. I reiterate I will NEVER EVER touch a BMW again.
Last edited by RDX10; 01-23-2019 at 03:14 AM.
#177
#179
In the US, only the Advance trim has a camera washer and it works very well - this should be standard on all vehicles. It only costs the manufacturer a few dollars for a plastic nozzle, hose, and fittings and it runs off the windshield washer pump.
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securityguy (01-23-2019)
#180
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zroger73 (01-23-2019)
#181
Azine Jabroni
Audi has figured out their engines and transmissions to the point they're fairly reliable. The problem is the cost to fix is still too high. RDX is nice because under the hood it's a Honda.
#182
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Yup, it's a lovely feature! Without it, it's unusable (like many cars) when it's raining.
#183
Null and proud of it
Like I said before, the one VW I had experience with felt very tight and solid at 180K miles, cost tobfix if it breaks is high, but when it works, it works incredibly well, and given the old track record, it suprises me very much, in retrospect...
But Honda makes some bad ass engines, regardless...
#184
Exactly! I can't believe it's taken this long to trickle down to less ultra lux brands.
#186
PE = Platinum-Elite, it is the Canadian trim that is equivalent to Advance in the states. We have a really stupid trim structure in Canada. Base, Tech, A-Spec, Elite, Platinum-Elite. Except the A-Spec has some features not available on the elite such as 16 speakers and ventilated seats and the Elite is like a tech plus 2 small features. It's just stupid IMO.
#188
#189
Null and proud of it
No one has pointed that out until now, I've had it there for about three weeks now. LOL!
I forget to change it sometimes... I changed when I confirmed "dragoning" to
CCColtsicehock ey's NSX thread... It's been an off/on thing since about October....
IDK, it's different... I know, I've been in 3G Ramblings too much as well...
It seems Taco rage quit again, BTW.
#190
Well said
Did you bother to check the safety ratings of the Explorer??? They are HORRIBLE so I hope you're not letting your wife drive it. You went from an IIHS TSP+ to an IIHS DON'T BUY THIS VEHICLE rating. Lexus to Acura to Ford...I guess a YUGO is next? The resale value on the Ford is also in the toilet.
I certainly wish you the best and understand your frustration but there are a ton of us that LOVE our RDXs and have had a trouble-free experience. I am confident that Acura will handle the software "bugs" and other minor issues that, several of us on this forum feel, some folks are blowing way out of proportion.
@Sounds ...don't be scared away because a few don't like their vehicles. Not everything is for everyone. The RDX is a terrific vehicle but some folks have zero patience and are willing to take it in the wallet.
I certainly wish you the best and understand your frustration but there are a ton of us that LOVE our RDXs and have had a trouble-free experience. I am confident that Acura will handle the software "bugs" and other minor issues that, several of us on this forum feel, some folks are blowing way out of proportion.
@Sounds ...don't be scared away because a few don't like their vehicles. Not everything is for everyone. The RDX is a terrific vehicle but some folks have zero patience and are willing to take it in the wallet.
#191
Drifting
Yep! I registered here, and on a few other forums of vehicles I was considering. Did I read about issues here and on the others? Of course. That's what primarily brings folks to the forums, to find a fix, or resolution to an issue. Anyone who has frequented forums for any length of time will tell you that there are far more vocal folks with issues than without. And I bought an RDX after two weeks of intense forum reading, and test driving. It is the best vehicle for my needs, at a price that can't be matched by any of the competitors. Will I experience issues? Probably.
I used to work for a company that had a saying, "Make Raving Fans". They knew unhappy customers would complain, tell everyone they knew about their unsatisfaction.... and happy folks would be silent. They wanted to make customers so happy, that they would RAVE about the company. Same thing applies on forums, happy folks mostly are silent, unhappy folks are vocal.
#192
Burning Brakes
#194
No one has pointed that out until now, I've had it there for about three weeks now. LOL!
I forget to change it sometimes... I changed when I confirmed "dragoning" to
CCColtsicehock ey's NSX thread... It's been an off/on thing since about October....
IDK, it's different... I know, I've been in 3G Ramblings too much as well...
It seems Taco rage quit again, BTW.
I forget to change it sometimes... I changed when I confirmed "dragoning" to
CCColtsicehock ey's NSX thread... It's been an off/on thing since about October....
IDK, it's different... I know, I've been in 3G Ramblings too much as well...
It seems Taco rage quit again, BTW.
#197
#198
There are enough complaints here and other places to conclude the RDX is having (hopefully) first year build quality issues and that the build is at least inconsistent. For those of you who have fully functional and well made RDXs....that’s awesome. For people who are shopping right now the RDX at this point still represents a (unnecessary) risk IMO. Sure, there are worse choices but then again there are better ones as well.
Last edited by PWMDMD; 02-07-2019 at 05:44 AM.
#199
I agree forums attract the disgruntled but I still think they are useful for assessing an automobile. Obviously, if you see the same issues over and over there may be some validity to the complaints. You can also see trends as far as engineering vs build issues. Most importantly, while every car has issues, if you cross shop some other cars from different manufactures you can see some have almost no build/quality control issues and most complaints are people disliking design/function. Even if 1 out of 10 RDXs are having an issue, and 9 out of 10 people are happy, no one likes feeling like they’re gambling and hoping they’ll not be the unlucky one when buying a car.
There are enough complaints here and other places to conclude the RDX is having (hopefully) first year build quality issues and that the build is at least inconsistent. For those of you who have fully functional and well made RDXs....that’s awesome. For people who are shopping right now the RDX at this point still represents a (unnecessary) risk IMO. Sure, there are worse choices but then again there are better ones as well.
There are enough complaints here and other places to conclude the RDX is having (hopefully) first year build quality issues and that the build is at least inconsistent. For those of you who have fully functional and well made RDXs....that’s awesome. For people who are shopping right now the RDX at this point still represents a (unnecessary) risk IMO. Sure, there are worse choices but then again there are better ones as well.
I've owed a lot of vehicles and trade often. Normally, I trade because I get tired of something or something else comes along that I just can't live without. In the case of my RDX, it had so many problems that were above my tolerance threshold that I was willing to take an even bigger loss than normal just to get out from underneath it.
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irishbrahmin (02-08-2019)
#200
Every car company has budgetary constraints to what they can do. When I think about Honda/Acura and I read the forums the impression I get is the designers/engineers and the penny pinchers are always in a balttle and the penny pinchers win most of the time. I feel the same way about my 2018 Honda Pilot Touring. It does most things well (7 out 10), nothing exceptionally well, but at the end of the day for everything Honda did right there are a handful of real head scratchers you have to live with which were clearly attempts to keep costs down.
Build quality is a decision and philosophy and clearly something Honda/Acura wants to do just well enough to not really get called out on it but they have no interest in investing in exceptional build quality. This is probably because they are still able to ride the reputation they earned 20+ years ago even though it has not been true for at least the past 10 years. Honda/Acuras are not the most well made and reliable cars and have not been for some time. Toyota/Hyundai do it better.
Build quality is a decision and philosophy and clearly something Honda/Acura wants to do just well enough to not really get called out on it but they have no interest in investing in exceptional build quality. This is probably because they are still able to ride the reputation they earned 20+ years ago even though it has not been true for at least the past 10 years. Honda/Acuras are not the most well made and reliable cars and have not been for some time. Toyota/Hyundai do it better.